Today we visited a few sites: first St. Patrick's well - named after Ireland's patron saint with a monument and a tree from which to hang cloth ties in hopes that your wish will be granted (much like going to temple in India!). Then on to the caves at Ballyshannon where Catholic priests hid to conduct sermons during the times of English rule. Finally to Donegal Town where we visited the castle (built by the (in)famous Donegal ODonnell cheifs, then rebuilt by the English/Scottish B , then, most recently reconstructed by the Office of Public Works. All of these places were magnificent examples of the interplay between the environment and human activity and culture. St. Patrick's well is actually a natural spring situated near the backwaters of a river. The beauty of the place creates a serenity that fits nicely with Christian worship of the island's most important saint. The caves, carved from the native limestone cliffs provide shelter and protection from casual eyes for those in need of hiding. Donegal Castle is nearly entirely built from local limestone with wooden floors (that presumably once came from native oaks, though none are to be found in the area today).

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I am Mela, Pam, or Pamela. My first experience in Ireland was in 1990 when my best friend, Shannon, and I biked the island. I am very happy to have the opportunity to share this special island with students from my own special islands.

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